Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Question 1

What does Shelley use Ozymandias as a vehicle to?

Answer 1

to expose the way in which power degrades over time, and to criticise the abuse of power through the depiction of an ancient ruler whose empire has deteriorated in order to highlight the impermanence of materialism and the transcendent nature of time. Perhaps Ozymandias is representative of monarchs of the early 19th century who Shelley strongly opposed

Question 2

Initially point

Answer 2

The initial autobiographical account of his introduction to what is left of Ozymandias’ statue highlights the pre-eminent aspect of time, and dismisses the belief that a single persons empire can outlive it

Question 3

Initially… (quote 1)

Answer 3

“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone”

• “vast” implies the sheer size of Ozymandias’ once thriving empire
• However, when paired with the adjective “trunkless”, the lack of a torso reinforces the motif that power cannot stand the test of time

Question 4

Initially… (quote 2)

Answer 4

“Stand in the desert”

• “stand” shows the initial strength of Ozymandias’ power but immediately dismisses it by stating that it was found in the desert
• The location of these legs connotes a sense of isolation and abandonment, perhaps even a lack of importance because it is in the middle of the dessert and has been forgotten about for centuries.

Question 5

As the text develops point

Answer 5

The words of Ozymandias are quoted, which creates a sense that Ozymandias felt like he had complete power over everything, including time. It would be apparent to a modern audience that he failed to control time, and it led to the deterioration of his kingdom.

Question 6

As the text develops… (quote 1)

Answer 6

“King of kings”

• through the self proclamation that he is the best of the best, he believes that he is superior because he is able to abuse his power and exploit the people beneath him, which is a direct criticism that Shelley had of his own monarch

Question 7

As the text develops… (quote 2)

Answer 7

“Look on my works, Ye mighty and despair”

• through the imperative “look” it is implied that he had complete control over everyone beneath him, and that he was able to command them to do as he pleased
• “mighty” is a direct address to other rulers of the time and of the future, by targeting other rulers, he is threatening them and pitying them

Question 8

Ultimately point

Answer 8

The temporary omnipotence of Ozymandias as shown through the previous two lines is dismissed by reiterating that power is temporary and will fade away

Question 9

Ultimately… (quote 1)

Answer 9

“Nothing beside remains”

• This phrase dismisses beliefs that Ozymandias has any importance and that he was actually that powerful.
• “Nothing” further emphasises that literally nothing is left of this once prosperous empire, further promoting Shelleys message that materialism and power cannot surpass time

Question 10

Ultimately… (quote 2)

Answer 10

“Lone and level sands stretch far away”

• “Lone” implies that after the death of Ozymandias, there is nothing left of his legacy
• Through this lasting impression, Shelley is addressing the monarchy and promoting the notion that if they continue in their power abusing ways, then they too will have no legacy after they die